Starkville teen Jennifer Jeffries talks about 'American Idol' interview, songwriting
MISSISSIPPI STATE

Mullen on Simmons: I want police reports

Michael Bonner
The Clarion-Ledger

STARKVILLE — Dan Mullen broke his silence Wednesday regarding the incident that led to the arrest of Mississippi State signee Jeffery Simmons. Mullen told ESPN he is awaiting police reports and more information than the video, which shows the five-star defensive lineman striking a woman on the ground, before making a decision regarding Simmons' future with the program.

"To me, like any situation you get into, you evaluate all the details and research every aspect of it," Mullen told ESPN. "I want to see some of the police reports. There's so much more I want to evaluate with the situation before I make a decision about what's best for our program. The five seconds of video, I don't think there's anything appropriate in it. That's what everyone is looking at right now and I don't think Jeffery would say there's anything appropriate in that five seconds of video. I don't think I'd say there's anything appropriate in that five seconds of video you see. But looking at the bigger picture is where we're spending our time."

A video surfaced last week showing Simmons hitting a woman on the ground. The incident took place last Thursday. The former Dandy Dozen selection apologized for the incident on Facebook. Macon Police charged Simmons with simple assault and disturbing the peace on Monday.

Both charges are misdemeanors. Four others, a man and three women, were also charged in the incident.

Simmons signed with Mississippi State on signing day in February. Simmons had 105 tackles, 20.5 for a loss, 18.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in leading Noxubee County to its third state title in four years. His addition added excitement to an otherwise pedestrian recruiting class. Simmons was expected to enroll at Mississippi State for the summer session.

Contact Michael Bonner at mbonner@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @MikeBBonner on Twitter.